In Texas and across the country, divorce is often portrayed as a fierce battle between two sides. Yet many couples with children are now trying to change the face of divorce to be less adversarial and more peaceful.
What rights do fathers have in an unplanned pregnancy?
Relationships can be complicated, even in the best of circumstances. When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, the issues can become even more difficult and complex. If you are the father of an unexpected child in Texas, you may be wondering what your rights are and what your next steps should be.
How does child custody work in separation agreements?
Texan parents may sometimes need a break from each other, but might not want an actual divorce. This is where separation agreements come in. They allow you and your partner to divide up assets, finances, property and more, without having to legally sever your marriage. But where does your child fall in all of this?
Best interests of the child in Texas
Under the Texas Family Code, the red thread running through all the law governing a parent-child relationship with respect to conservatorship (i.e. parental responsibility) and possession (i.e. custody) is the principle that the best interest of the child is “the primary consideration of the court.” The Code, in fact, articulates a statement of public policy that children should have a relationship with parents who have “shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child.”
Understanding Texas child support laws
Child support is a legal obligation in Texas. Once a judge has signed an order of child support, the noncustodial parent is required to pay the specified amount of child support to the custodial parent of his or her children or to the person who has primary custody of them. Under the Texas Family Code, failure to do so can result in the specified periodic payment being withheld from the disposable earnings of the obligor; i.e., the parent required to pay.
